止
The 止 radical
To stop, foot
Memory hook
A footprint pressed into the ground and halting there. It is both foot and stopping: 步 (a step), 正 (upright), 此 (this place).
The 止 radical (read zhǐ) means to stop, foot. The HSK 3.0 data contains 7 characters and 96 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 止 radical
Study this radical's 96 words with flashcards or a quiz.
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Characters with the 止 radical
7 charactersHSK 1· 1 characters
HSK 1正
right; correct
HSK 3· 4 characters
HSK 3止
to stop
此
this; here
步
step; pace
武
martial, military
HSK 7-9· 2 characters
HSK 7-9歧
many-branched, forked
歪
crooked, not straight
Vocabulary with the 止 radical
96 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 止 radical, ordered by HSK level.
The free plan shows 9 words per HSK level (51/96 words of this radical).
right; correct
to be in the middle of (an action happening at the moment of speaking)
just right; just in time
normal
to be exactly
correct; right
real; genuine; true
to stop
initial; preliminary
in any case; anyway
therefore; for this reason
to take a walk; to stroll
formal; official
step; pace
weapon; arms
martial arts
from then on
to correct
this; here
besides, in addition to this
to walk, to go on foot
to forbid, to prohibit
step by step
to prevent, to stop
more than, not only
until (this point) ends
fair, just
like so; to such an extent
each other, both sides
justice, righteousness
just like, exactly as
official version
regular, standard
for this; for this reason
to end, to close (a deadline)
to stop
legitimate, lawful
this matter, this affair
previously, before this
this place, here
this time
respectfully yours
Bad practices, unhealthy tendencies (usually refers to improper phenomena in society or an organization)
meanwhile, at the same time
to suspend, to halt (usually temporarily)
bearing, demeanor, conduct
to correct, to rectify
disagreement, difference
to stop, to put an end to
to synchronize
degree, state, extent
Why learn vocabulary by the 止 radical?
The 止 radical hints at the meaning to stop, foot. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 7 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 96 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.